Lockheed, Venus Aerospace Explore New Rocket Engine for Long-Range Precision Fires

Lockheed Martin and Venus Aerospace are teaming up to see if a new type of rocket engine can be used to improve the efficiency, range, and speed of future long-range precision strike weapons.

Venus Aerospace contributes its flight-tested propulsion technology, while Lockheed brings its expertise in designing, integrating, testing, and producing missile systems.

Their joint technology development agreement centers on evaluating and maturing a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE), which creates thrust using continuous detonation waves, unlike a conventional rocket engine that burns fuel in a steady flame. 

If the RDRE technology works as expected, future long-range precision fires systems could have longer range, higher speed, better fuel efficiency, and lower production costs.

The collaboration “allows us to evaluate a promising propulsion technology and determine how it can be integrated into future precision fires solutions. Partnerships like this help accelerate innovation, reduce risk and rapidly advance from emerging technology to operational capability,” said Tim Cahill, President of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. 

Long-Range Precision Fires

Lockheed Martin’s Long-Range Precision Fires portfolio features next-generation munitions designed to strike high-value, stationary, and moving targets at extended distances.

The lineup includes the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which is a surface-to-surface weapon that achieves ranges of 400 to 500 kilometers (250 to 310 miles) and fits two missiles per pod.

Washington deployed the PrSM for the first time during the US-Israeli offensive against Iran in March, while the missile’s second increment is undergoing development.

Lockheed is also developing an extended-range version of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).

It is designed to reach up to 150 kilometers (93 miles), more than double the roughly 70-kilometer (43-mile) reach of standard GMLRS rounds. 

These systems are compatible with the M142 HIMARS and the M270A2 MLRS.